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100 animal cruelty incidents in Devon involving air guns in last five years

In recent months animals have been killed in Devon with air handguns or air rifles

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by Alex Richards

12:28, 11 Oct 2017

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How to report to the RSPCA

The RSPCA has backed government calls to review air gun licencing, as figures of incidents involving animals in Devon are revealed.

The Home Office has called for a review after a teenager died last May in an accidental shooting, but the animal welfare charity has campaigned against air weapons for many years after a wealth of cases involving animals.

There were 4,828 air gun incidents reported to the RSPCA between January 1 2012 and June 30 2017.

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In Devon 100 incidents have been reported in the same time frame. In 2012 there were 20 incidents, in 2013 26, in 2014 eight, in 2015 19, in 2016 18, and until June 30 there has been nine reported incidents.

The list does not include incidents reported separately to Devon & Cornwall Police.

Jango the cat was shot with an air rifle in Yelverton

David Bowles, RSPCA assistant director of external affairs, said: “The RSPCA welcomes this announcement and any review around the regulation of air weapons licencing.

“It is heartbreaking that such a tragic incident has sparked this review and our thoughts go out to Benjamin’s family and friends, but we hope that any future regulations around the licensing of these weapons in England and Wales will better protect people, children and animals.

“The RSPCA has long been calling for stricter regulations around owning airguns as well as better education and explanation of the law for those buying an airgun. Our 24-hour cruelty hotline receives hundreds of calls every year reporting airgun attacks on animals. Last year, we received 890 calls and this year looks set to top that and, worryingly, reach a five-year high.

“Animals can suffer horrendous injuries and often die as a result of airgun attacks and these weapons are potentially extremely dangerous for people as well.”

Several incidents involving air guns and animals have been reported to Devon Live in recent months.

Connor the cat was shot and killed by an airgun in Paignton on August 6

A cat was killed by an air gun in Paignton in August.

The young rescue cat, named Connor, was found by its owner between 5pm and 9pm in the Barcombe Road area of Preston on August 6 with severe wounds to his abdomen and shoulder.

Despite the vet’s best efforts, Connor couldn't be saved.

In the same month an appeal was launched after Jango the cat was found bloody and injured.

Jango’s owners initially thought he had been involved in a fight with another cat when they discovered him with blood coming from a leg wound near their home in Birkham Hill in Yelverton on July 18.